Aspersa Deep Retraction

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Hi,

I need help. I'm currently trying to keep a helix aspersa alive from deep retraction. He's starting to go into phase three and he goes a centimetre back into his shell. I'm also worried that if he does eat there's a large chance of gut extrusion. Don't hate me, but I'm actually a bit interested in this as I've never seen it before. Of course, I never want to see it again. I just hope the snailie lives. He might be old, but he's displaying the symptoms of deep retraction more than regular old age. I'm quite puzzled.

OFF TOPIC: If anyone here wants some snail art, I'd be willing to do it.

[shaydeesnail]

When my snailie retracted deeply I sprayed water into his shell and held it upside down for 5 seconds before tipping it out... probably the same as splashing a sleeping person with water! This usually woke him up. I only did this when it was feeding time, to conserve his energy. I found that getting him to come out twice a day to eat soggy fish food (A more expensive high-protein type) got him to put on weight over a few days, even though he only ate a few bites each time.
Keep him damp as snails often retract when they are too dry.
If over the next week he doesn't start getting a little more energetic, then he may just be too old, but I'm sure he would have appreciated the fish fake treat anyway
Make sure his favourite foods are always around too.

Good luck to both of you, I hope he's feeling better soon!

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He's out right now, munching, last time I checked. The only problem is he doesn't seem to want to munch the grass and food I'm giving him. Will feed him some fish food.

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He came out for the fish flake. I'll feed him some apples.

[shaydeesnail]

Good to hear he's still waking up!

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He's not waking up right now, but he's not dead, I don't think. He's not coming out to celery or carrots.